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Optical Trapping and Manipulation of Nano-objects with an Apertureless Probe

Patrick C. Chaumet·Adel Rahmani·Manuel Nieto-Vesperinas
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Abstract

We propose a novel way to trap and manipulate nano-objects above a dielectric substrate using an apertureless near-field probe. A combination of evanescent illumination and light scattering at the probe apex is used to shape the optical field into a localized, three dimensional optical trap. We use the coupled-dipole method and the Maxwell stress tensor to provide a self-consistent description of the optical force, including retardation and the influence of the substrate. We show that small objects can be selectively captured and manipulated under realistic conditions.

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Patrick C. Chaumet, Adel Rahmani, Manuel Nieto-Vesperinas. 2003-05-12. Optical Trapping and Manipulation of Nano-objects with an Apertureless Probe. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.88.123601

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